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Window views can enable restorativeness. Previous studies define characteristics of natural environment that trigger restorativeness, but fewer studies are dealing with restorative characteristics of urban environment. The purpose of this study is to identify qualities that enable restorativeness in natural and urban window views. Using a questionnaire survey as a method for obtaining the research data, responses of architectural students are analysed. To identify restorative potential in window views evaluation method according to Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is used. Additional evaluation method for urban views is applied using Lynch’s theory of designing urban space that people can enjoy. Our findings show that urban views can be analysed according to Lynch’s visual qualities to identify the restorative potential of urban environments. Our findings also show that Lynch’s criteria may coincide with Kaplan’s criteria for assessing restorativeness. To define restorative potential in urban views in an early design phase, new evaluation methods are needed to transcend the renowned Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory into more approachable design mechanisms for designers and decision makers. Well-being of the inhabitants in a future dense urban environment will only be provided with an adequate window view.

Background: Natural views are an important design strategy for the application of ecological resources in built environments. Numerous clinical studies have indicated that views of nature—for example, plants—can effectively promote patient recovery by relieving their postoperative pains and negative emotions during hospitalization. Aims: This study demonstrates an intelligent method that develops algorithms of using collision detection techniques in Building Information Modeling to evaluate outdoor plant visibility for patients. Methods: These algorithms are digitized into a Revit plug-in program, which can be viewed as a design-aided tool for architects with the purpose of informing healthcare environment design in the decision-making process. Results: Its acceptability and effectiveness are evaluated based on the consultations in beta tests. Conclusions: It is believed that this method can improve the work efficiency of evaluating natural views in wards and help architects implement an informed design of built environments for better health performance. All findings in this study can contribute to the development of computational intelligence and social sustainability in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Window views can enable restorativeness. Previous studies define characteristics of natural environment that trigger restorativeness, but fewer studies are dealing with restorative characteristics of urban environment. The purpose of this study is to identify qualities that enable restorativeness in natural and urban window views. Using a questionnaire survey as a method for obtaining the research data, responses of architectural students are analysed. To identify restorative potential in window views evaluation method according to Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is used. Additional evaluation method for urban views is applied using Lynch's theory of designing urban space that people can enjoy. Our findings show that urban views can be analysed according to Lynch's visual qualities to identify the restorative potential of urban environments. Our findings also show that Lynch's criteria may coincide with Kaplan's criteria for assessing restorativeness. To define restorative potential in urban views in an early design phase, new evaluation methods are needed to transcend the renowned Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory into more approachable design mechanisms for designers and decision makers. Well-being of the inhabitants in a future dense urban environment will only be provided with an adequate window view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]